Wright helps England U20 to opening win

England earned their second bonus-point victory of the World Rugby U20 Championship after a hard-earned 34-22 victory over Wales at Avchala Stadium.

The reigning champions led 24-10 at half-time with tries from Justin Clegg and Gabriel Ibitoye (2), while Malins converted all three as well a penalty.

Wales scores came from Kieron Assiratti as well as five points from the boot of Dane Blacker and they narrowed the deficit soon after with a penalty try.

However, Mitchell settled England’s nerves, also earning the extra point while Malins sent over a conversion and drop goal before Joe Goodchild’s late try for Wales.

England headed into the game off the back of a 74-17 victory over Samoa in their opening game, while Wales lost their opener to Australia.

However, it was Wales who made the stronger start to the game and but for a superb try-saving tackle under the posts from scrum-half Harry Randall England would have found themselves 7-0 down.

As it was a penalty for Wales followed soon after with a penalty from Dane Blacker after a collapsed scrum in front of the posts.

England soon settled into the game and despite losing Zach Mercer to the blood bin, they had their first try of the game.

Ben Earl powered through Wales defence and following a fine offload from Max Wright, Justin Clegg was able to cross.

Ibitoye had England’s second try and his third of the tournament, collecting Max Malins’ superb pass to power over in the corner.

Ibitoye then scored a superb individual try in the corner after England kept the ball for 12 phases courtesy of carries from Mercer, Earl, Ralph Adam-Hale and Josh Bayliss.

Wales problems worsened losing Will Jones to the bin and Malins sent over the penalty for 24-3 – his ninth point of the half.

A floodlight failure delayed proceeding for 15 minutes and when the team returned to the field, Wales had their first try with Assiratti barging through with Robson’s conversion taking the half-time score to 24-10.

Wales almost had a second shortly after the restart but were held up over the line and from the resulting scrum replacement Ollie Dawe was sent to the bin for 10 minutes after being penalised for collapsing it.

Another scrum followed and Wales were awarded a penalty try to take the score to 24-17.

England lost winger Sam Aspland-Robinson to injury while soon after Malins superbly intercepted a cross-kick to prevent a certain try.

He missed a penalty soon after though as England were restored to 15 men and Mitchell earned the bonus point after collecting a chip and spinning out of a tackle to dot down.

Malins showed great composure to send over a drop goal with 10 minutes remaining however, Wales did not give up and Goodchild went over in the corner in what were the final points of the game.